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12th Sunday after PentecostSeptember 1, 2019
SERVICE THEME:How to Live Successfully
WELCOME — We are so pleased that you have joined us for worship today! If you are a guest with us, please sign our guest register, which is located in the center entryway of the church. We welcome and encourage children to join our worship services! Enclosed “cry rooms” are available in the back of the church near the restrooms, if your child becomes restless. Pictorial children’s Bibles are available for children to use, on the table in the back of church. Please let us know if there is any other way we can be of service to you. Again, welcome! OUR MISSION — The mission of St. Andrew Lutheran Church is to guide people to know Jesus as their Savior, to grow in their faith, and to show Jesus to others. OUR BELIEF — We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only source of all Christian doctrine and teaching. We believe that the only true God is the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that we are saved not by anything we do, but only through faith in Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our sins. We will be happy to tell you more about what we believe! OUR HISTORY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church was established in 1888 and is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a confessional Lutheran church body with over 1,200 congregations in North America and with more than 30 sister church bodies worldwide.
Church Office: 3650 S. Honore St., Chicago, IL 60609 (next door to church)Website: www.standrewchicago.org Office Phone: 773-376-5370Office Email: [email protected] Page: www.facebook.com/standrewchicago/
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True treasure is faith in the promises of God—no matter how difficult they seem to believe. The Verse of the Day defines that treasure well: sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO TODAY’S SERVICE
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS – At this time, anyone may share special prayer requests with the pastor, which he will then pray about later in the worship service, during the Prayer of the Church. If you prefer to submit a written prayer request, you may do so before the service or hand it to an usher during the offering. As a family of believers, we want to know each other’s joys and struggles, so that we can pray for each other.
OPENING HYMN – 756 – We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight – printed on p. 9 of this service folder
INVOCATION and CONFESSION OF SINS – CW p. 15
LORD, HAVE MERCY (Kyrie) – CW p. 15
ABSOLUTION – CW p. 16
GLORY BE TO GOD (Gloria in Excelsis) – CW p. 16-17
PRAYER OF THE DAY – CW p. 17
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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FIRST LESSON – Genesis 15:1-6 (EHV)
After these events the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision. He said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
2Abram said, “LORD God what can you give me, since I remain childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3Abram also said, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a servant born in my house will be my heir.”
4Just then, the word of the LORD came to him. God said, “This man will not be your heir, but instead one who will come out of your own body will be your heir.” 5The LORD then brought him outside and said, “Now look toward the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “This is what your descendants will be like.” 6Abram believed in the LORD, and the LORD credited it to him as righteousness.
PSALM OF THE DAY – Psalm 33 – CW p. 79
SECOND LESSON – Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (EHV)
1Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see. 2For by this faith the ancients were commended in Scripture.
3By faith we know that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what is seen did not come from visible things.
8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance, and he left without knowing where he was going.
9By faith he lived as a stranger in the Promised Land, as if it did not belong to him, dwelling in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Abraham also received the ability to conceive children, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was past the normal age, because he considered him faithful who made the promise. 12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, descendants were born as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand along the seashore.
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13One by one, all of these died in faith, without having received the things that were promised, but they saw and welcomed them from a distance. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14Indeed, people who say things like that make it clear that they are looking for a land of their own. 15And if they were remembering the land they had come from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better land—a heavenly one. For that reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he prepared a city for them.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Alleluia. (Hebrews 11:1)
GOSPEL – Luke 12:32-40 (EHV)
After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
32Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not become old, a treasure in the heavens that will not fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35“Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning. 36Be like people waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37Blessed are those servants, whom the master will find watching when he comes. Amen I tell you: He will dress himself and have them recline at the table, and he will come and serve them. 38Even if he comes in the second or third watch, they will be blessed if he finds them alert. 39But know this: If the master of the house had known at
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what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you are not expecting him.”
After the reading of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
NICENE CREED (CW p. 18-19)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY – 472 – Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
SERMON – Luke 12:32-40 – How to Live Successfully
“CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD” – CW p. 20
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OFFERING
Members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church use this time to respond to God’s goodness with gifts of thanks and love. Our giving is guided by this Word of God: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV). If you are a guest with us today, please do not feel obligated to participate. Online giving is also available to use; please see the announcement on page 12 of this service folder for more information.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH – for the Sundays after Pentecost – CW p. 127 – including the following special prayer:
for the ministry of the synod:Lord God, we praise you for the blessings celebrated at this
summer’s synod convention—WELS programs to enhance outreach, discipleship, and ministerial education, declaring fellowship with Lutheran church bodies in Kenya and Taiwan, and the progress of our theological training center in Vietnam. We pray that you continue to bless the work of our synod—guide President Mark Schroeder and second vice president Joel Voss in their new terms and help our congregations to increase offerings so we can better meet the opportunities you are giving to us. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER (CW p. 20)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
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THE SACRAMENT
Our Lord Jesus has given us a holy Supper in which we receive his true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. In this Supper, we celebrate the gift of his redemption, we bear witness to the fellowship we share as confessors of the truth, and we proclaim his death until he returns.
Following the teaching of the Bible (1 Corinthians 10:17; 11:27-29; etc.), St. Andrew practices “close communion.” We ask that only those who are communicant members of St. Andrew or another congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) partake of the sacrament today. Our pastor would be happy to speak with you about receiving the Lord’s Supper with us in the future!
PREFACE – CW p. 21
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sanctus) – CW p. 22
WORDS OF INSTITUTION – CW p. 23
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei) – CW p. 23
DISTRIBUTION
Those receiving the common cup are invited to assist the minister in guiding the cup to their lips. Those who need to receive grape juice instead of wine may take the purple individual cups in the center of the tray. Gluten-free wafers are available for those who need them; please speak with the pastor or an usher to request one.
SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimittis) – CW p. 24
PRAYER and BLESSING – CW p. 24-25
CLOSING HYMN – 417 – I’m But a Stranger Here
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THIS WEEK AT ST. ANDREWSeptember 1-8, 2019
Today 9:30 AM Worship Service w. Communion10:45 AM Bible Study
Wednesday 7:00 PM 中文圣经学习 (Chinese BibleStudy)
Friday 10:30 AM Adult Bible Study
Sunday 9:30 AM Worship Service10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study
The paraments are green for the Sundays after Pentecost. Green represents growth. The Sundays after Pentecost emphasize the growth in faith and godly living that the Holy Spirit works in us through the Word of God.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY TOPIC TODAYIn adult Bible study, we continue a Bible study entitled Sing to the Lord: A Study of Lutheran Hymnody. This Bible study covers many of the great hymns that express the truths of Scripture with beautiful lyrics set to timeless melodies, which make great tools for Christians to confess their faith and sing praises to God. Adults meet for Bible study in the back of the church sanctuary. All are welcome!
SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS RESUME SEPT. 8 & 10Sunday school will resume on September 8, after the worship service (starting about 10:45). Sunday school is open to children from age 3 through 8th grade (high-schoolers are welcome to join adult Bible study on Sunday during that time). Youth confirmation class will resume on September 10 (Tuesday, 6:30-8:30). Youth confirmation class is open to youth in grades 5 through 8, and to high-schoolers who have not yet been confirmed. If you have a potential student in mind, please speak with Pastor Gawel or St. Andrew’s elder for Christian education, George Lawson. Please plan to bring your kids for Sunday school and confirmation class, and stay for adult Bible study. Invite friends and neighbors too. All are welcome!
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STEPHEN MINISTRY INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP – Sep. 7 (Sat.)Stephen Ministry is a program that trains church members to provide one-on-one care to people experiencing various difficulties in life. There is an introductory workshop in Orland Park on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 to 1:00. No commitment is required to attend; this is simply an informational workshop to introduce what Stephen Ministry is and how it works, after which we can discuss whether you’d like to serve in that way or not. If you’re interested in attending the introductory workshop, please speak with Pastor Gawel, in person or by phone at 773-383-2395.
PRAYER GROUP SEPT. 12 (Thur.), 6:30 PMWe will have a prayer group on September 12 (Thursday) at 6:30pm. We will start with a short devotion, and then share and pray about prayer requests for ourselves, our church, and others. All are welcome to attend, and you may participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
EVANGELISM SEMINAR BY TRUTH IN LOVE MINISTRY – Sep. 14 (Sat.)Rev. Jon Leach from Truth in Love Ministry will be giving a seminar on witnessing (evangelism/outreach) at St. John Lutheran Church in Libertyville (501 W. Park Ave.) on Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 to 11:30. Truth in Love Ministry is a WELS ministry that focuses on outreach to Mormons, but there will be general application for witnessing to people from any religion or no religion. Pastor Leach says: “We find that many Christians have a desire to reach the lost, but sometimes they don’t know where to begin. We’re here to encourage you in your witnessing journey. We’ll be talking about what Mormons believe (because they truly are lost), share practical witnessing tips and then give you real opportunities to put your faith into action.” For more information, call 847-362-4424.
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT AND GET-AWAY WEEKEND – Sep. 20-21How is your marriage? Would you like it to be healthier? God designed marriage and only he can improve the health of your marriage. Join us for a two-day marriage enrichment event September 20-21, 2019. The cost is $185 per couple and includes a traditional Spanish family-style dinner Friday evening & lunch catered by Olde Madrid of Racine, continental breakfast Saturday morning, and all enrichment sessions. Spend two days learning how to know each other better,
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appreciate each other more, gain trust, manage conflict, nurture intimacy and connect with each other intentionally – all in the light of God’s grace. The result? A healthier marriage. Space is limited, so register early. See the poster or brochure in our entryway, or visit www.wels.net/marriage-enrichment for more information and to register.
LWMS CHICAGO-AREA CIRCUIT FALL RALLY – Sept. 28 (Sat.), Crystal LakeThe fall rally of the Chicago Area Circuit of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) will be held Saturday, September 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Lord & Savior Lutheran Church, 9300 Ridgefield Rd., Crystal Lake, IL. All women in an LWMS member congregation (confirmation age and older) are members of LWMS and are encouraged to attend. (St. Andrew is an LWMS member.) Guests are also welcome. The rally theme is “To the Ends of the Earth,” and our speaker, Claudia Rericha, a member of our Chicago circuit, will be presenting on her mission trip to Nepal this past February. Plan to bring friends and family and join us in Crystal Lake for fellowship, fun, and food as we worship and learn how God is working in Nepal. You won’t want to miss it! (Childcare will be provided.)
“EVERY MEMBER VISITS” WITH PASTOR GAWEL IN 2019This year Pastor Gawel would like to meet individually with all the adult members of St. Andrew (or with married couples together), so that he can get to know everyone better and to see if there is any way that he or the church can serve you better spiritually and if there is any way that you would like to be more involved in the ministry of the church. Pastor Gawel is willing to meet with you at your home, at a coffee shop or other venue near your home or workplace, or at our ministry center (next door to church). Please speak with Pastor Gawel, or call or text him at 773-383-2395, to schedule a time for a visit.
ONLINE GIVING AVAILABLESt. Andrew Lutheran Church is set up to receive online donations. There are a number of ways to do that. Step-by-step instructions with screen-shots are available in the center church entryway, for both the mobile app “Give+” (from Vanco) and the giving page through our church website (go to standrewchicago.org and click on the “Giving” tab). Or, scan this QR code with your smartphone. Please
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contact St. Andrew’s elder for stewardship, Sam DeLaurentis [email protected], with any questions.
NEW MEDITATIONS DEVOTION BOOKLETS AVAILABLENew Meditations devotion booklets are available in the information rack in the center entryway. Feel free to take one for use in your personal devotions.
NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICES AVAILABLESt. Andrew member Phill Lopez is now a commissioned notary public. Phil is willing to assist our members with notary services they might need. Please contact Phill at 312-451-9223 to inquire.
PASTORAL CAREPastor Gawel is available for pastoral care. If you are sick, grieving, having surgery, hospitalized, or in need of any spiritual care or counseling, please call or text Pastor Gawel on his cell phone: 773-383-2395.
SERMONS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING, DOWNLOAD, AND PODCASTINGIf you miss the Sunday sermon, would like to listen to it again, or would like to share it with a friend, audio recordings of the sermons are archived on our church website, posted weekly to our church Facebook page, and are available for podcasting (quick links and instructions available on our website). Go to standrewchicago.org/sermons to listen!
WEDNESDAY EVENING CHINESE GROUP BIBLE STUDYOn Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the ministry center (the house next door to church), there is a Chinese group Bible study. New friends are always welcome to join! Please invite any Chinese friends or neighbors. You may share with them the following invitation: 每周三晚上 7:00，圣安得烈基督教路德宗教会之福音事工中心（教堂隔壁的房子）有成人中文圣经学习。欢迎您参加！事工中心楼上设有活动间供儿童使用；欢迎小孩跟家长一起来！地址是 3650 S. Honore St.（在麦金利公园区）。高乐仁牧师的电话号码是 773-383-2395.
BIBLE INFORMATION CLASSIn Bible Information Class, we study the main teachings of the Christian faith. Adults and teens who would like to become members of St.
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Andrew are encouraged to attend this class to learn what St. Andrew teaches according to God’s Word. This class is also open to anyone who is interested in learning more about what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe, with no requirement to join the church after the course is finished. Pastor Gawel is able to teach the class in English and Chinese, and course materials are also available in Spanish and other languages, as an aid for those whose first language is not English or Chinese. If you or someone you know are interested in starting this class, please contact Pastor Gawel to set up a time.
WELS Synod ConventionThe 65th biennial synod convention was held July 29-Aug. 1, 2019, at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. Hundreds of delegates, including called workers and lay members, convened to make decisions about the synod’s mission and ministry. Follow what happened at wels.net/2019synodconvention. There, you can catch up on daily news updates, videos, election results, and more.
Worship attendance last Sunday: 36Adult Bible study attendance last week: 10
Sunday: 6; Wednesday: 4
Income needed each month Offerings received in August$11,840.00 $6,908.78
Offerings received last week: $1,251.61(needed each week: $2,732.31)
September head usher: Kris TaylorAssistant ushers: Tom Pindelski & Jason ChengMusic and liturgy printed under OneLicense # A-714339Scripture readings are from the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2018 by the Wartburg Project, www.wartburgproject.org
PLEASE GREET THOSE AROUND YOUIf you are able, please stay for a time of fellowship after the worship service concludes; greet those around you and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.
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Please take this service folder with you! Continue to meditate on the Bible readings throughout the week, and pray for God’s blessing on the mission and ministry of the church!
God bless your week, as you live and witness for him!
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